Something more than g: Meaningful Memory uniquely predicts training performance

•A test was developed to measure Carroll's (1993) Meaningful Memory construct.•Scores on the Meaningful Memory test, as well as general mental ability, were correlated with training performance.•The Meaningful Memory construct added incremental validity over general mental ability.•This study provides evidence of a third exception to the disconfirmation of specific aptitude theory.

Past research has shown that mental ability tests predict training and job performance by virtue of measuring general mental ability (g). After removing the effects of g, mental ability tests no longer predict performance, with the exception of perceptual speed and spatial abilities for certain occupations. In our study, we found evidence for a third exception: Meaningful Memory, the ability to learn and recall information that has meaningfully-related content predicts training performance (ρ = .511), even after removing the effects of g. Therefore, Meaningful Memory tests show promise in enhancing the effectiveness of mental ability tests to predict training performance.